Description: Gazelle is a single-engine, three-bladed helicopter developed by a joint venture between British and French rotary-wing aircraft companies aimed at replacing Alouette II. More than 1,200 helicopter of all models were produced for both civil and military customers all over the world until the mid 1990s when production ceased. Gazelle helicopter family is powered by a Turbomeca Astazou turboshaft rated at 858-shp. Eurocopter's Fenestron shrouded tail rotor was introduced on this aircraft. Militarized models perform training, reconnaissance, utility and anti-tank missions.
Military variants of Gazelle may be equipped with Mistral, HOT, AT-3 or SA-7 missile systems as well as gun pods of up to 20mm. The first Gazelle prototype was designated the SA 340. The first production model was SA 341. Gazelle powered by more powerful Astazou XIVH engines were designated SA 342. The French Army's ALAT deployed successfully Gazelles during the Gulf War in 1991 assuming primarily anti-tank missions. Currently, ALAT's anti-tank helicopters are being replaced by Tiger.